Arrive in Christchurch by air, bus or car and check in to your hotel for the night. At 6 pm your tour guide will meet you and the rest of your new travel friends in the lobby of the hotel and go over a detailed hiking tour orientation and introduction with you all. Once you have all the information you need, you can head out with other members from your group for dinner and to wonder around the town a bit before bed.

Stay: Drifter Hotel (1 Night)

Today we check out of our Christchurch hotel and hit the open road, bound for the West Coast of the South Island, and any adventures that lie along the way!

Our first stop is at Castle Hill Rocks, known by the Maori as Kura Tawhiti. This is a sacred and time honored place once used to gather food by people hundreds of years ago. It’s one of many geologically fascinating places on the South Island, with massive chunks of limestone rock having lifted from the surrounding layers of ground through powerful uplifting forces and thousands of years of erosion. Walk through the rocks marveling at the unique shapes and the beautiful views stretching West towards Arthurs Pass.

Back in the van, we continue West, reaching Arthurs Pass, which lies along the Alpine Fault, creating the backbone of the South Island and dividing the east and west coasts. You’ll notice a dramatic shift in scenery as we transition from grassy plains, and tussock hills to steep mountainside and lush, west coast rain forest. We stop for another walk in the area, heading to a beautiful waterfall and our first walk in the coastal forest, which makes you feel like you’re in Jurassic Park!

As we arrive in Punakaiki, we check into our cabins and head for a group dinner and drink together.
Stay: Punakaiki Beach Camp Cabins (2 Nights)
Hike: Castle Hill & Arthurs Pass Trail Walks
Drive: 4 Hours

Consider this our day to explore the West Coast, ticking off some iconic experiences and getting some nice walking time in! In the morning we hike the Pororari River Loop Track, winding through a deep and dramatic limestone gorge, carved by the powerful forces of water rushing through the valley over thousands of years. Don’t forget to look up at the forest canopy as we walk through a thick and lush sub-tropical forest system, teeming with life and vibrance. The river below us has deep, clear pools littered with massive boulders, leaving the mystery of how they got to be there in your mind!

In the afternoon, you have the option to join your guide for a guided walk to the famous Pancake Rocks and Punakaiki Cavern, or opt to join Underworld Adventures for a guided glow worm cave tour, complete with an option to tube through the underground river system that emerges our into the river and winds its way through the floor of the forest valley. Seeing the glow worms is a unique experience available only in New Zealand and a few other places in the world.

If you choose to stick with your guide, you will head to Pancake Rocks, which are a bizarre rock formation caused by corrosion of the limestone layers interacting with water and making stacks of what seem like pancakes today. Punakaiki Cavern offers an even deeper, shall we say, opportunity to discover the geological phenomenon.
Hike: Pororari River Loop Track (11 km, 290 m, 3-4 hours)
Optional Activity: Underworld Adventures Glow Worm Cave/ Tubing ($249 NZD)

Today we venture south towards Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. Along our route we stop at Pounamu Pathways, where you are in for a treat with their interactive video displays that help us understand and feel the history of the land, tracing the pathways of the ancestral Māori peoples that inhabited New Zealand. Follow in the footsteps or early explorers, warriors and guardians as they venture across the Pacific calling New Zealand home and forging a way of life here. You will learn and understand the important cultural connections the Māori people have to the land.

In the afternoon we visit the West Coast Tree Top Center where you have a unique opportunity to walk among the forest canopy, seeing the temperate coastal forest from up close and personal. Wander through the tree tops on a walkway erected some 20-40 meters above the ground, being rewarded with unique views and perspectives of the forest eco-system. This is a really cool experience, and you can opt to top it off by getting a ticket to the zipline for a really up close and intense experience, whizzing through the trees for half a kilometer.

Time permitting, we stop for a guided walk at Hokatika Gorge, spending an hour walking along the rim of a dramatic gorge and crossing a swing bridge that offers views into the depths of the gorge.
Activity: Pounamu Pathways, West Coast Tree Top Center
Stay: Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Hotel (varies by availability) (2 Nights)
Drive: 3 hours

Spend a free day to explore in Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier. In order to follow New Zealand working parameters for professional guides, we need to provide a rest day for our guide during this tour, which works out perfectly to do during your day in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, as well as in Queenstown later in the tour, where there are abundant options for you to explore on your own.

We will help you select the perfect day tour to compliment your trip, ranging from helicopter rides to distant glaciers, or scenic boat cruises or an exhilarating atv tour.

Of course, this is also a great time to relax, go for a walk on one of the trails on the edge of town or catch up on some quality down time. The choice is yours!
Activity: Optional Activities

Today we leave the West Coast behind, venturing into Otago and the majestic mountains of the southern alps. Heading through Haast Pass, we stop for several walks along the way, exploring some hidden gems of Mount Aspiring National Park. Walk to beautiful waterfalls, viewpoints and more along the way, as your guide brings you to their favorite roadside stops and attractions.

We settle into our hotel in Wanaka and then head out for dinner as a group in the quaint lakeside town, renown for its relaxed way of life and laid back mountain charm. In the evening you can walk along the lakeshore to the famous Wanaka Tree, standing on its own in the lake, or time permitting, the group can head up Iron Mountain for a sunset walk with a view. Either way, you are in for a great sunset and a peaceful night’s rest in one of the most beloved towns in New Zealand.

Stay: Te Wanaka Lodge (or similar) (2 Nights)
Hike: Various short walks in Mount Aspiring National Park
Drive: 4 Hours

Discover deep valleys etched between towering mountains today as we venture into the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park to hike the Roby Roy Glacier Track. Along the way, we drive along the scenic coast of Lake Wanaka and past about a million sheep that roam in the large agricultural ranges in the valley bottom.

From the car park, we hike beside a rushing glacial river, crossing a suspension bridge with an incredible view of the mountains all around. As we gain height, we’re suddenly greeted by a waterfall that falls so far most of the water turns to mist before hitting the ground. Further still, we round a corner and the view of Rob Roy Glacier comes into view, perched high along the massive rock wall in front of us. This makes for an incredible sight as the huge glacier sparkles in the sunlight, and melt water cascades down the cliff face in too many waterfalls to even comprehend. This must be one of the most photogenic places in New Zealand, and that’s really saying something!

In the afternoon we return to Wanaka, where you have some free time to relax along the lakeshore, or rent kayaks and go for an easy and scenic paddle on the lake.
Drive: 1 Hour
Hike: Rob Roy Glacier Track (10.5 km, 480 m, 3 hours)

We continue our journey Southward, passing through Crown Pass, and Queenstown on our way to Te Anau and the treasures that await us in Fiordland National Park.

We spend the afternoon hiking a section of the Kepler Track, which is one of the renown Great Walks of New Zealand. We walk from Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay on Lake Manapouri. Along the way we will cross a suspension bridge and walk through a vibrant Beech forest. The Beach trees are what inspired the Fengorn Forest scene from Lord of the Rings, where two hobbits allied with the living trees, to ultimately save Middle Earth. Today is your time to embrace the forest to save all mankind…… or at least for you to enjoy the walk and take some sweet photos!
Drive: 3 hours
Hike: Kepler Great Walk Section (12 km, 270 m, 3 hours)
Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel 2 nights

Today is one of the most quintessential New Zealand experiences and an absolute bucket list day! We drive through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where we head out on a cruise through some of the most beautiful fiords in the world! during the cruise you will come face to face with countless waterfalls, as they cascade down the sheer rock faces that reach for the sky, often disappearing in the clouds above , leaving a sense of mystery. The cruise will most likely go so close to the biggest waterfall that the spray will sweep across the boat, wafting you in a windy blast of fresh ocean air. (Some of the cleanest air on the planet, for that matter!)

When you feel like you couldn’t possibly take another photo, we return to land and wind our way back through Fiordland Park, stopping at various viewpoints and scenes along the way for photos. We stop to hike the Key Summit Track, which is park of the Routeburn Track, so you can explore one of the highlights of another Great Walk! You’ll hike up on a gentle trail through some scraggly rainforest until reaching the alpine, where views open up to reveal the never ending panoramas of the glacier-carved mountains in all directions. Look down to see Lake Marian below, and deep valleys stretching out to the ocean to your west and south. This is one of the best hikes in New Zealand for a reason!
Drive: 3 hours
Hike: Key Summit Track- Section of Routeburn Great Walk (8 km, 500 m, 3-4 hours)
Activity: Milford Sound Cruise

We depart Te Anau, destined for great things to come in Queenstown, and enjoying the incredibly scenic drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. You’ll spend the afternoon getting a bird’s eye view of Queenstown and the Remarkables mountain range across the valley, with the help of the Skyline Gondola. From the top of the gondola, you’ll have impressive views of New Zealand’s adventure capital far below, but that’s not where the fun stops!

Here you can opt to head out for a self-guided hike on the Ben Lomond Track, with detailed instructions from your guide. Unfortunately regulations prevent guides from accompanying groups here, though the trail is fairly straightforward and relatively easy for the most part. After a while you will reach a saddle where you have even more impressive views, and can now see to the north, as well as the south. You can stop here, or if you feel up to it, you can continue to the top of the peak, where you will be rewarded with absolutely world class views of the lake far below, Queenstown, and about a thousand peaks spread out in all directions around you. The trail to reach the summit is fairly steep and gets a little technical for the last 200 meters, though if you take your time you should no issue, and you can always turn around anytime you feel like it.

At night we head out to explore Queenstown’s dining scene and perhaps a little nightlife if you feel so inclined!
Drive: 2 Hours
Stay: Garden Court Suites
Hike: Ben Lomond Track (10 km, up to 1000 m, 2-4 hours)
Activity: Skyline Gondola

One day to get the ultimate New Zealand adventure experience. This is your moment, this is the place! Today you have the opportunity to explore at your own pace in Queenstown, which is chock full of incredible day tours and excursions, as well as world class shopping, dining and drinking.

We recommend heading out for a high speed jet boat ride on one of the rivers nearby, or going for a scenic cruise with bbq on the historic TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu. There are options ranging from river rafting, sky diving and more! Whatever adventure you choose, we know you will come back filled with stories and exciting photos to share over dinner!
Activity: White Water Rafting, Jet Boating, Lake Cruise & More!

Our last full day of adventure does not disappoint as we head from Queenstown to Mount Cook National Park to hike among the highest peaks in New Zealand. You’ll likely recognize the views of Lake Pukaki, which is famously photographed with the looming mass of Mount Cook reflecting off the emerald green-blue waters of the lake, with vibrant lupins lining the banks.

We drive as close to the base of Mount Cook as possible and begin our hike in the Hooker Valley, where we are immediately greeted by jaw dropping, post card views of the mountain imposing in the background of our hike.

The Hooker Valley Trail is relatively flat, which is good, because you won’t be able to take your eyes off the views on our guided hike! We cross several suspension bridges and a glacial lake surrounded by sheer mountain walls, and then arrive at Hooker Lake, where we stop to take photos and admire the views. It’s hard to describe the beauty here, so you’ll just have to come and see for yourself!

When we return to the van, your guide will stop a little further down the road for you to walk up a stairway to the banks of Tasman Lake, where you can feast your eyes on some incredible views of Tasman Glacier and the surrounding peaks. Tasman Glacier has receded so recently, that the lake is still largely covered in floating icebergs, and the evidence of the untold power of the glacier is present all around us.

Leaving Mount Cook, we drive to Tekapo Lake to spend the night. Here we are in the Mackenzie Country dark sky preserve, which is internationally recognized for it’s unspoiled dark sky and world class star gazing. There’s no better way to gaze at the constellations than to be soaking in a hot spring, so why not do a stargazing soak in Tekapo Springs! Here we can reflect on the incredible adventures we’ve had in New Zealand, while enjoying the dazzling light show above!
Drive: 3 Hours
Hike: Hooker Valley Track (11 km, 200 m, 3 hours)
Activity: Tekapo Springs Star Gazing Soak
Stay: Godley Hotel (1 Night)

Today we head back to Christchurch stopping at the odd viewpoint along the way.

One special stop we make is at the Fairlie Bakehouse, which serves up some of the best pies in the world. We recommend the salmon pie, as well as the pork & apple, or the Kiwi favorite- lamb & mint pie. (No one will judge you if you try all three!)

Drive: 3 Hours
Drop Off: Christchurch @ 2-4 pm

Your South island tour will have many opportunities to stretch your legs and move through the vivid landscapes of New Zealand. There are too many short walks to name, however, below are some of the main hikes you will do on your tour of the South Island.

• Pororari River Loop- Paparoa National Park: Dive deep into the lush west coast rain forest as we wind our way up the dramatic limestone gorge of the Pororari River. The Pororari River Track is located in Paparoa National Park and during the hike, we will be adjacent to part of the Paparoa Great Walk, one of the premier hiking trails in NZ. Along the way we stop to admire the deep pools and sheer limestone cliffs that line the river like a fortress. Finish the experience off with views of the famous Pancake Rocks!

  • 7 km | 2 hours

• Rob Roy Glacier Track - Mount Aspiring National Park: Quite possibly the most bang for your buck hiking trail in NZ, the Rob Roy Glacier Track brings us to the heart of Mount Aspiring NP, where we cross rushing glacial rivers and climb through temperate forest to reach a secluded and otherworldly tussock ridge. Here you will feel like you are in an Avatar Movie, as we watch the spectacle of the Rob Roy Glacier melting from its perch up high on the mountain right across from and above us, with the meltwater streaming down in a tapestry of cascades. Some of the cascades plunge off sheer cliffs, turning to mist before they hit the ground, and some form creeks that wind through the valley bottom. The sight is unforgettable and makes for one of the most rewarding guided hikes on the South Island.

  • 10.5 km | 480 meters elevation | 3 hours

• Kepler Track - Fiordland National Park: Another day hike on one of New Zealand’s infamous Great Walks, the Kepler Track is know for it’s misty, mysterious forest and unique ecosystem. We will hike a 12 km section of the trail, though deep forest that inspired the “Fenghorn Forest” from Lord of the Rings, where the trees are alive and help save Middle Earth. You’ll feel like a tiny hobbit on your guided South Island hiking tour as you walk through the lush forest floor, winding through thick beds of ferns.

  • 12 km | 270 meters elevation | 3 hours

• Key Summit Track - Fiordland National Park: The Key Summit Track is one of the most beautiful and panoramic hikes in Fiordland National Park and part of the Routeburn Track Great Walk. After winding through some alpine forest, we break above the trees and are greeted by 360 degree views of the surrounding Darran and Humboldt mountain ranges. This trail was first used by the Māori to collect greenstone, which was used to create ornaments and weapons, and to trade. Far below us, you will be able to marvel at the scale of the mountains and the sprawling valleys, carved out by massive glaciers that receded some 14,000 years ago.

  • 8 km | 500 meters elevation | 3 hours

• Ben Lomond Track - Queenstown: When we arrive in Queenstown we treat you to a gondola ride where you can soak in the views of Queenstown far below, the expansive Lake Wakatipu and the aptly named Remarkables mountain range across from us. From here you can head out on a self-guided walk (no commercial guiding is permitted here), on the easy to navigate trails from the top of the gondola. The Ben Lomond Track steadily gains elevation as you approach a saddle. From here you have views or the lake in the distance and the Crown Range behind you. From there, you can continue along a steeper stretch to the summit, where you get unreal 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains that make Queenstown the adventure capital of New Zealand.

  • 10 km | up to 1000 meters elevation | 3-4 hours

• Hooker Valley Track - Aoraki/ Mount Cook National Park: Always save the best for last right?! Well, we may have done that here because it’s hard to beat the landscapes you will see while hiking around Mount Cook on a guided South Island tour. The Hooker Valley Track is relatively flat, crossing several impressive suspension bridges, and mountain scenes that look straight out of the Himalayas. All the while Mount Cook itself looms in the background, growing ever larger and more dominant of your views. This is one of our favorite hikes in New Zealand and you will soon see why! It is also where many scenes from Lord of the Rings were inspired!

  • 11 km | 200 meters elevation | 3 hours

The weather in New Zealand is a mixed bag, ranging from heavy rain, sleet and high wind to absolute paradise, with 25 degrees Celsius temperatures and bright, blue skies.

On the South Island, the range is the most dramatic, with the West Coast being substantially wetter than the East Coast, which is how the rain forest and beautiful waterfalls are formed! Expect periods of light rain some days on the West Coast, mixed with cloudy or sunny conditions and dramatic sunsets.

On the East Coast, expect generally sunny conditions, often with brief periods of rain overnight while we are sleeping.

Temperatures range from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius (65-95 degrees Fahrenheit).

The mountains are typically cooler at higher elevations and can be windy as well, so bringing a sweater and jacket on your guided New Zealand hikes is a good idea.

Milford Sound is it’s own separate climate, raining more there than other places in New Zealand. The perfect way to experience Milford Sound is to arrive when it is raining, and have the clouds begin to clear during your cruise. With these conditions, the waterfalls in the fiord are at their best, while the clearing clouds help us to see the peaks of the mountains surrounding the sound. Let’s hope for this to happen on your guided New Zealand tour!

New Zealand does not have the nuisance mosquitoes as much of North America has, though there are sand flies, which can be a factor in some places.

Fiordland and Milford Sound have a particularly high concentration of sand flies, though they won’t be much of a bother since we are not camping. You can bring bug spray to protect yourself from the sand flies, but we have never had issues with them bothering our travelers.

The hikes on this tour are moderate in level, so you can expect to be working reasonably hard on a few of the hikes with more elevation gains, though they should be fine for anyone with a reasonable degree of fitness who walks fairly often.

Expect to be hiking on uneven surfaces on well maintained trails with some roots and loose rocks, as well as possible wet surfaces that could be slippery.

Level 3-Active
Hiking: Hiking on established trails with a light daypack. Covering 10-15 km (6-12 miles) with elevation gain up to 500 meters. Typically hiking for 3-5 hours most days.

Our groups are small and sociable and we believe that our Fresh Family is what makes our tours amazing! We are lucky to attract very warm, welcoming people from all over the world who share a passion for adventure and sharing experiences with new people.

Age Range: 30-75 (Average age around 50)
Gender: Roughly 60 percent female/ 40 percent male
Booking Size: Roughly 60 percent are travelling solo and 40 percent are couples and small groups of 2-3 friends.
Average Group Size: 9 people with a max group size of 11

You don’t need to carry everything on your back, so you can pack in a suitcase, duffel bag or backpack.

Days are usually warm, though nights can occasionally be cool. Below is a general packing list:

• 2 complete warm layering systems that are not cotton (think fleece, polyester, merino wool etc, for top and bottom) It is best to dress in layers so you can adapt to changing weather. A light base layer, with a warmer layer on top and rain jacket will help you stay warm.

• Rain jacket (anything wind and waterproof will work) Rain pants are helpful too.

• Comfortable hiking boots (Anything comfy, stable & blister free & don't mind getting dirty/ wet)

• Bathing suit and towel (for hot springs etc)

• Socks and underwear (you knew that though I hope)

• Small day pack to carry your personal items on hikes

• Any medications you need (like epi pens, asthma or heart meds, insulin) Very important!

• Suitcase/ duffel bag or back pack for your luggage (we have lots of room, bring whatever works- you won't have to carry it)

• Hiking poles if you feel you might need them to protect your knees on rocky paths

• Sunscreen, bug spray, sun glasses, lip chap all help

• At least one 1 liter water bottles

• Camera for the epic views

During your guided active tour of New Zealand’s South island, you will be staying in a mix of hotels, cabins and lodges.

The properties we stay at on this tour are generally rated 3-star, with comfortable double or queen beds, and typically 2 travelers per room, unless you opt for a single room upgrade.

Our guided group hiking vacations are perfect for solo travelers with our solo-travel policies.

We were awarded “The Best Tour Operator For Solo Travelers In Canada”!

As a solo traveler on our guided hiking trips, you can opt to share a hotel room with another traveler of the same sex, or upgrade to a single room for more privacy and space- the choice is yours

You will never be forced to pay extra as a solo traveler on our New Zealand hiking tours.

The short answer is not really. Most things can be paid for with a credit card.

Having some New Zealand cash is never a bad idea, incase a restaurant has internet issues with their payment service, or if you’d like to tip your guide at the end of the tour.

There are ATM’s accessible in Wanaka, Queenstown and Te Anau.